Teen dads are often overlooked in the big picture of teen pregnancy. Teen fathers are affected by parenthood too. They need help, advice, encouragement to take responsibility both for the child they have fathered and for their own education and future.
Once you have established paternity, you can call or check online to see if you have open case where child support is needed.
It all depends on how much money you make. Even if you are unemployed or a student you still have to provide support for your child.
Yes, If you don't pay child support the following could happen:
- Your drivers license could be suspended
- Personal property can be taken, including money in the bank
- You will owe additional interest on the amount you owe
No, if you are the one taking care of the child, then you can apply for child support from the mother. You just have to apply at your local child support office.
The legal acknowledgment of the parental relationship between a man and a child.
This means that you accept that you are the father of the child.
To establish paternity you can get genetically (DNA) tested, sign the paternity forms, or you can get a court order to establish it.
Once Paternity is established the Department of Child Support Services will
establish what is called a support order, which will require the parent without custody to provide support legally.
It all depends on the cooperation of you and the mother, but most cases can take 3 to 6 months to establish.
